A coalition of opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been officially announced. The alliance aims to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Opposition Leaders Unite for 2027 Elections
Atiku confirmed the coalition while addressing journalists at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. He emphasized the need for a strong and united opposition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
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The former vice president has consistently advocated for unity among opposition parties. On March 8, he reiterated his commitment to forming a coalition capable of removing the APC from power. The move gained momentum after El-Rufai’s defection from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on March 10.
Speaking at the conference, Atiku described the coalition as a significant step towards achieving better governance. Peter Obi, represented by Yunusa Tanko, echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the coalition’s primary focus was on empowering Nigerians and addressing critical governance issues.
Tanko confirmed that both leaders had agreed on the need for a united front. “His Excellency Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are together on this. The goal is to create a political structure that will liberate Nigerians,” he stated.v
The coalition plans to address pressing national concerns, including:
- Power supply challenges
- Security threats
- The declining state of education
Tanko also criticized recent political developments, describing them as attacks on democracy. He cited the ongoing crisis in Rivers State as an example of excessive political control, emphasizing that the coalition would push back against such governance tactics.
While the coalition has been formed, its official party platform has yet to be revealed. When asked about the party under which they would contest, Tanko simply responded, “It will be announced.”
Other political figures present at the event included former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ameh, and the Convener of The Alternative, Segun Showunmi.
Although former APC governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and ex-National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu were not in attendance, they reportedly expressed support for the coalition.
Peter Ameh revealed that coalition talks had gained significant traction, though no final decisions had been made regarding its official structure. “The discussions are ongoing, and we will announce the coalition’s name and platform once an agreement is reached,” he stated.
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor urged party leaders to remain flexible and open to cooperation. He stressed that the coalition’s success was in the best interest of both the PDP and Nigeria as a whole.
“The PDP must be willing to accommodate other opposition parties. If this coalition succeeds, it will be a victory for all Nigerians,” Osadolor concluded.
As political discussions continue, the coalition is expected to unveil its official strategy and party platform in the coming months.
